The Grace Thrift Shop, sponsored by Grace Episcopal Church, had its humble beginnings in three rooms in the upper level of the church in early 2012. The original mission of the Thrift Shop was, and remains, to provide a unique and relaxing shopping opportunity for area residents who may not be able to purchase new items, to acquire used necessities in good condition.
Grace Thrift Shop was so well received and supported by the community that four years later, through the extreme generosity of a local donors and grants from the Community Foundation and Bremer Foundation, the Thrift Shop was able to move into its own building adjacent to the church. Today it operates out of the new building as well as space in the church. The Thrift Shop mainly serves shoppers from Menomonie and surrounding counties, however, shoppers come from as far away as Minneapolis. A group of nuns from New York, when visiting in the area, make a stop at the Thrift Shop a part of their visit and go home with arms full of items to share in their community.
In addition to the warm, welcoming, non-commercial setting and the friendly and welcoming nature of the volunteers in the Thrift Shop, astute shoppers can find clothing for men, women, teens, toddlers and infants. Also available are jewelry, housewares, small electrical appliances, sewing materials, CD’s, DVDs, vinyl records, audio tapes, books, puzzles and small toys. All items for sale in the Thrift Shop have been donated by members of the community. Upon receipt each item is screened for cleanliness, condition and usability before being put out for sale. Books and AV materials are further screened for appropriateness. All donations to the Thrift Shop, whether cash or items, are tax deductible, in accordance with state and federal guidelines. Tax forms are available upon request.
There are many remarkable stories about how the Thrift Shop has helped individuals and families in need. The following are two such stories.
A young man in his early 20’s had just been told he was accepted for a new job at Wal-Mart and was to report to work on the following Monday in khakis and a knit shirt. He stopped in to see what he might find. He left with 5 pairs of khakis and 4 shirts – total $9. He said with tears in his eyes “I couldn’t have even gotten ONE pair of khakis for this price”.
Another young man came in with 3 daughters to see if they could find clothes for their first day of school. He was able to outfit them for $14. He paid $15 and left with his $1 in change. On his way out of the parking lot, he stopped his car, came back into the Thrift Shop and placed his remaining $1 in the donation jar and offered a big “thank you”.
Comments received from shoppers include “Looks and feels like a boutique;” “Very welcoming as you come in the door;” “One of Menomonie’s best kept secrets”.
Virtually all items are sold for $1 or less. Occasionally, unique or special items, such as artwork are available as “make an offer.” Special offers for overstocked or seasonal items are often 50 cents or less. “Welcome Back” sales have been offered to college students to help them augment their clothing and housing supply budgets.
In addition to the benefits provided to the shopper, the Thrift Shop benefits the community by offering community members the opportunity to dispose of (repurpose) items which they no longer need or use. This also helps keep our landfills from being filled with items which can be reused. Excess items are often donated to Goodwill, Hope Gospel Mission and the Dunn County Humane Society.
Profits from the Thrift Shop are used to help support other church missions and to support other local non-profit agencies and missions.
Staffing for the Thrift Shop is provided solely through volunteers. Most are from the parish while several others are from other parishes, agencies or as individuals. There is a need for more volunteers. Interested parties may call 715-235-7072 or visit www.gracemenomonie.org to arrange an appointment to discuss the duties, availability and expectations of volunteers.
The Thrift Shop is located in southwest Menomonie at E4357 451 Avenue (next to Pinewood Golf Course.
Hours are 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays
The Thrift Shop occasionally closes due to weather, holidays, funerals and whenever Menomonie schools are closed (weather). To check regarding possible closures call 715-235-7072, visit the website www.gracemenomonie.org or Facebook page.
Stop in to browse or just to visit. You’ll be pleasantly surprised at the variety, value and friendly service.
Dick Rueckl is a Thrift Shop friend and supporter.
